During the last 3 weeks, I’ve been fortunate to receive a number new books for me to read. In the photos below, the first 3 books, are the ones I’m looking forward to reading soon, and the bottom 3 books, are the one’s that have my poems published in them.
Ivor Steven (c) Feb 2020
This week’s midweek challenge on ‘Weekly Prompts’ is: BIRD FEEDERS. Please go and visit the fabulous “Weekly Prompts” site by clicking >> Here
I don’t own a bird feeder as such, but I suppose my verandah roof acts as my permanent bird feeder. Seeds from my neighbours trees seem to naturally end up landing on my verandah roof. The birds can be quite noisy feathered friends, as they clatter around on my verandah. … but while they are busily chomping seeds on my roof, the birds are forgetting to feast on my ripe ‘Rapunzel Cherry Tomatoe’ bush, and some of my readers, might remember what happens to those who steal from ‘Tomatoe Bush’, for a reminder, you can peruse at this link to that post >> https://ivors20.wordpress.com/2018/03/27/how-many-books-do-i-take-on-the-cruise/ …….”BEWARE”…….
Featured Image Above: My verandah roofer, the birds feeding area…!!
Below: My 9ft tall Rapunzel Cherry Tomatoe Bush, higher than the guttering.
Below Left: The cherry tomatoe crop Right: Tomatoes in my Asian salad
Ivor Steven (c) Feb 2020
Alex
My trusty guardian
Shamefully
I’ve taken him for granted
That happy old chap
Who faithfully
Protects me
A loyal family friend
He’s always been around
Like an inherited heirloom
His age remains a mystery
He’s stoic and quietly stern
And I dare not ask him
The eternal keeper
Of our ancestral tree
Holder of heavens keys
Guarding life’s comings a goings
Waiting there, under shady leaves
Forever our courtyard centurion
Ivor Steven (c) Jan 2020
My tears are only droplets
Into a sea of grief
Despite my cloudy tears
I see, there above
The night sky is clear
Despite my inner gloom
I see, there above
A bright crescent moon
Despite my blinding wonder
I see, there above
She’s cradling a shining star
Ivor Steven (c) Jan 2020
Below, as per usual with my posts, I have an attached video/music for your enjoyment, however today this video is very special , and I would sincerely like to thank, Stephanie Stickel, for allowing me use this wonderful video, of her drawing, with the music of Thomas Peter-Horas(Sarah), and played by Chen on piano .
Feature Image above: The photo I received today; my niece Kerri, and my grand-niece Kylie(My Philadelphia faeries), there smiles make me smile xx
Below Images: The smokey haze outside my front door today, 500 yards away at the end of my lane.
Smoke, And Happy Tears Today
Again, I’ve smokey tears in my eyes
But today they’re not, from those terrible fires
I’ve just received a photo, via magical digital wires
From the girl of my promised forever bond
And who lives on my soul’s golden pond
She’s knowingly smiling, at my heart’s open streams
Graciously enjoying all of life’s hard regimes
And handling her body’s constant extremes
Never does she falter, from her declared theme
“Don’t Let the World Bring You Down”
She’ll always be my jewel of renown
A ray of inspiring hope, in that distant sky
My dearest really real faery, flying so high
Ivor Steven (c) Jan 2020
This weekend’s Photo Challenge on Weekly Prompts is, Not The Norm! And over the last few weeks, I’ve taken some rather odd photos, that are “Not The Norm” , of every day life here in Geelong…. Click >>Here, to visit ‘The Weekly Prompts’ fabulous site
A hail-storm at the Box Office Cafe yesterday, and Chris and his dog Lily, looking worried
At the Box Office Cafe again, the two photos are of the framed pictures hanging up in the toilets. The next photo is of some wall art, in the back patio area….All unusual, to say the least
Geelong’s CBD, has numerous works of street art, down the back lane-ways
Another piece of street. And then I was visiting the Valhalla Bar (Yes the same place I go to for one my poetry recital nights) for refreshments, and I took this photo…. apparently his name is Westie, and he has a hole in the front of the bucket to have a drink… very odd….
On the way home I needed a bite to eat, and wow ! a Philadelphia Cheesesteak in the main street of Geelong…. Now I’m home, trying on my new shirt from Kuala Lumpur, a gift handed to me Thursday, by my dear pen-friend from Malaysia, a beautiful shirt, certainly “Not The Norm”, to be chatting to her, cheek to cheek, and truly a lovely day, we spent together ………..
Oddly, I’ve not yet posted this Leonard Cohen, song and video clip…. enjoy……
Ivor Steven (c) Nov 2019
Hello dear readers, I’ve written two Haiku’s recently, and I’m going to present them here as one piece, I have a feeling they might like to dance together…..
Feet
Truly nature’s treat
Standing amongst forest trees
Earth’s caressing feet
Excuses
Life’s, not excuses
The word, does not have uses
Let nature’s feet dance
Ivor Steven (c) October 2019
Hello dear readers, and dear Sue(Nan’s Farm-Inside Out)…. here I am on the beach, yeah !! yes a long 18 months since I’ve been able to feel the warm sand between my toes…. not hot enough for swim yet, but I could smell the fresh sea air…… In my excitement I took all of these photos (and More). The sun was shining and it was a pleasant 23’C.
Eastern Beach, on Corio Bay The Geelong Yacht Club
Ivor with the famous Bollards** More of the sculptured Bollards**
The enclosed beach area within the perimeter of the promenade
Some views as I was walking around the promenade
The salt-water pool, where Ivor learnt to swim (55 years ago)
Yachts on Corio Bay Steps and fountain down to the beach
The children’s pool area
The lush lawn expanses at the beach Looking back to the Geelong City centre
I hope you all enjoyed viewing these photos, as much as I enjoyed my outing to the beach on this a memorable day for me…….
No visitor to Geelong’s magnificent waterfront precinct can miss the whimsical bollards that stretch from Rippleside to Limeburners Point. Painted by local artist Jan Mitchell, the bollards have become an icon of Geelong. Sadly Jan is no longer with us but she has left a lasting legacy which will put a smile on just about anyone who comes face to face with these unique and much loved pieces of public art.
Ivor Steven (c) October 2019
Having a lazy day in Ballarat, but managed to have a picnic lunch and a walk around a bit of Lake Wendouree, the famous picturesque attraction in centre of Ballarat..
My younger sister Myfanwy, below
Cheers
Ivor Steven
Another sunrise
And my red rose has wilted
I knew she could not stay
Although I sacredly
Stood her in holy water
Nurturing her fading life
As I watched her weep
Petals, one by one
Weaken and fall
Anointing her finality
Leaving a barren stem
Sturdy and alone
Reciting eulogies
About a lost Autumn flower
And that last, red rose sunset
Ivor Steven (c) September 2019
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 